A 14-year-old girl from Brantford has been charged for allegedly making online threats against a high school in the United States.
Brantford Police say they were contacted by the Hanover Police Department in New Hampshire on Tuesday about a social media post that was “threatening in nature.”
Nine hours later, a 14-year-old girl was arrested at her home in Brantford and charged with uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death. She was held for a bail hearing.
Police also seized electronic devices at the home that will be forensically examined by the Internet Child Exploitation Unit.
Police say they are not aware of any link between the teen and the community of Hanover, but have not ruled it out.
Extra security was brought into the school as a precaution and they will remain there all week.
BPS Major Crime Unit arrested & charged a 14 yr old Brantford girl for utter threats in relation to a threatening Instagram post. A concerned citizen from New Hampshire, contacted the Hanover PD in New Hampshire, USA to report. Investigation continues.. https://t.co/bzOJwIPxEO
— Brantford Police (@BrantfordPolice) March 21, 2018
The Brantford Police Service is reminding residents about the power of social media.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to use it appropriately and safely. Threatening online or social-media posts are taken very seriously and are not treated as juvenile pranks,” said Brantford police in a news release. “The BPS treats acts of violence or threats of violence the same, they will be fully investigated and if warranted charges will be laid. These acts include the threat to public safety and our community.”
Anyone with additional information that could help police with this investigation is asked to contact Det. Jason Sinning of the Major Crime Unit at 519-756-0113, ext. 2265 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
